Governor, Southern Company officials dedicate new plant

Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, Georgia Power President and CEO David Ratcliffe and a host of dignitaries officially dedicated Georgia Power’s newest power plant, named in honor of Southern Company’s Chairman and CEO A.W. “Bill” Dahlberg on July 13.

Plant Dahlberg, located in Jackson County, began operation in the spring of 2000 with eight, 80-megawatt units. The plant could eventually have 16 units and 1,200 megawatts of generating capacity in place.

Plant Dahlberg uses modern environmental and fuel technologies and is one of Georgia Power’s cleanest fossil-fuel burning facilities.

“Looking at this power plant, you can see why Georgia Power and Southern Company are two of America’s greatest companies,” Barnes said. “It is truly a remarkable facility, and it’s named for a truly remarkable man.”

Dahlberg began his career with Georgia Power in 1960 as a helper in the Atlanta Meter Department and worked his way through a series of positions to become the president and CEO in 1988. He served in that role until 1994, when he became chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company.

“Bill is a dynamic visionary. His leadership over the past four decades has placed Georgia Power and Southern Company among the world’s most progressive energy companies,” Ratcliffe said. “We are proud to honor his legacy by naming our newest plant in his honor.”